Enbrel is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, and to prevent joint damage caused by these conditions, reports Drugs.com. It works by lessening a protein in the body called the tumor necrosis factor, which is sometimes over-produced by the body's immune system. There are some side effects and complications associated with Enbrel that patients should be aware of.
Injection Site Complications
Patients taking Enbrel injections may experience injection-site irritation, including redness, warmth, swelling, bruising or discomfort. The application of a cold compress may help decrease swelling and relieve discomfort. Patients should be instructed on how to safely administer their injections at home. This drug should be rotated between sites for injection---from the thigh to the abdomen or the upper arm---says PDRHealth.com. An injection should never be given in an area that is tender or bruised, and a severe injection-site complication should be brought to the attention of a physician.
Headache and Dizziness
Enbrel may cause headaches and dizziness. Patients should use extreme caution while driving or operating machinery until they know how Enbrel will affect them. The use of alcohol or other medications may intensify these side effects. A headache that becomes bothersome should be brought to the attention of a physician, who may recommend the use of an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen for the occasional relief of headache pain or discomfort.
Infection
Because Enbrel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections, thereby easing symptoms of an overactive autoimmune system such as arthritis, patients taking Enbrel may be at a higher risk for developing infections. It may be easier to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill, says Drugs.com. Users may also experience sinus, nasal or throat infection, and upper/lower respiratory tract infection, says PDRHealth.com. Patients taking Enbrel that experience fever, throat pain, cough, swollen lymph nodes, yellow or green tinged mucous or fatigue should consult their physician for further instruction.
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